Sunday, June 06, 2010

What do your arm pits smell like right now?
Yeah, it's a weird question, but that was what my friend Kim asked my friend Brooke the other day and the answer got me thinking.
I'm still using antiperspirant. I hear it's actually pretty scary unhealthy to do so, since using aluminum to clog your pores is tentatively linked to things like breast cancer, and I kind of hate breast cancer. A lot. I've also wondered if clogging your pores makes you sweat more to try to clear them.
Oh, sorry, I forgot to mention, this post talks about bodily functions, smelly stuff and might not be the best reading for any pregnant readers who get nauseated at the thought of smelly stuff or bodily functions. Wow, it apparently also deals with nausea.
Where was I?
Ah yes. Toxic Stew. I don't like the idea of rubbing solidified toxic stew on my body. I only occasionally fall back on regular shampoo, loving the no-poo for my hair, have recently discovered some delightfully more eco and skin friendly soaps (mmmm, castile soap- so few ingredients, you can count them on ONE HAND, and all but one are edible) and have been working on detoxing my personal hygiene routine as much as possible.
So, I'm asking you.
Are you still using antiperspirant? Have you switched to a deoderant instead? If you have, how do you like it? Do you get all wet and gicky or not much more than the rest of you?
I'm thinking of taking the plunge, but I'm scared, so hold my hand, and lemme know, what do your pits smell like.

And at the moment, mine smell like baby powder, which isn't exactly my favorite smell in the world.

7
reflections:

Anonymous
said...

I switched to deodorante about a year ago. I didn't really notice any difference. You get a little bit stinkier if you don't shower for awhile, but not much. I usually use brand deodorants, though. I tried Tom's and it was useless. I usually buy Degree deodorant or Axe. You have to really watch that they say deodorant & not antipersperant, though.

I switched when I started breastfeeding my first, since I was sure the aluminum I was rubbing on my pits was too close to his food source for my comfort. Though I have a few recipies for homemade, I've never tried it. I've tried Tom's deo which I thought GAVE me a funky body odor, but I LOVE Jason Tea Tree deoderant. I also just picked up another all-natural deo stick with tea tree, but can't remember the name. In my experience, the first week or two is worst (just like switching to no-poo) then your body sort of adjusts.